What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty as it is also known, is a procedure which can reduce the size of very large, pendulous breasts. Breast reduction can also add firmness and shape to the breasts and, if necessary, reduce the size of the areolas. During the surgery, excess fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed. Breast reduction can alleviate a variety of medical problems associated with large or heavy breasts including back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems.

Who is a candidate for breast reduction?
Candidates for breast reduction include women who are looking to reduce the size of very large or pendulous breasts. It's also important that breast reduction candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. It is often advised that surgery be postponed for women who are planning to breast feed in the future or for younger patients whose breasts are not yet fully developed.

What occurs during a consultation for breast reduction?
During the consultation for breast reduction, you will meet with either Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota. After carefully examining your breasts, the doctor will discuss your expectations and the possibilities available to you. All details of the breast reduction procedure will be explained and any questions that you have answered.

What form of anesthesia is breast reduction performed with?
General anesthesia is most often used during the breast reduction surgery.

How is breast reduction performed?
The breast reduction surgery begins by making an incision which is typically shaped like an anchor and runs around the areola in a circle, extends downward and then runs horizontally along the crease below the breast. Working through the incision, the doctor will then remove excess fat, glandular tissue and skin and move the nipple and areola to a higher position. For some patients, only fat may need to be removed, in which case liposuction alone may be used.

How long is the surgical time for breast reduction?
Breast reduction takes an average of two to four hours to perform.

Where are the incisions made for breast reduction?
The incision for breast reduction is typically shaped like an anchor. It circles around the areola, extends downward, and then ends in a horizontal line along the crease beneath the breast. A much smaller incision may be made if liposuction alone is used for cases in which only excess fat is the concern.

Are there scars after breast reduction?
The incisions made for breast reduction will result in scars and they can be extensive. However, the scars can be covered by most bras and bathing suits and will further fade with time.

How much pain is associated with breast reduction?
There is usually some discomfort follow breast reduction surgery. Specifically, the breasts may ache for several weeks and medication can be prescribed to help control this.

What sort of recovery is there after breast reduction?
Bandages may be applied to the breasts after surgery and these are usually removed within one to two days. A surgical bra may need to be worn for a period of time. Some amount of swelling and bruising can be expected and these side effects may take several weeks to subside.

How soon after breast reduction surgery can patients return to their work?
Most patients are able to return to work and most other normal activities within about two weeks after undergoing breast reduction surgery.